Tennessee Has An Enchanting “Skywalk” Bridge That Allows You To Stroll Through The Treetops

CNN

If you have never gone sightseeing in Tennessee, particularly in the Smoky Mountains, you are missing a lot. The best scenic views can be admired via the Gatlinburg SkyLift, SkyDeck, and SkyBridge, which offer nature lovers an enchanting experience.


The Smoky Mountain range, which is a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, runs along the Tennessee – North Carolina border in the south-eastern United States. It has a rich history that spans thousands of years – from the ancient Paleo Indians, to the European settlers in the 1800s, to the present day.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which was established in 1934, protects most of the range. It is the most visited National Park in America, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and part of an International Biosphere Reserve. It is home to around 187,000 acres of virgin forest, and is among the most diverse ecosystems in North America.

Knoxville News

The first settlers in Gatlinburg were Martha Jane Huskey Ogle and her seven children who moved in from South Carolina in the early 1800s. They built a cabin in the area which later became known as White Oaks Flats. Other pioneers, including veterans of the Revolutionary War also settled in White Oaks Flats. The first general store in the area was run by Noah Ogle in 1850. A preacher by the name of Radford C. Gatlin settled in the area in 1854, and opened the town’s second general store. He also opened a post office in his store, which prompted the change of the town’s name to Gatlinburg in 1856. However, it seemed that Gatlin was a controversial figure, and was soon banned from the area.


The SkyLift was opened in 1954, and remains to be one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in the Smoky Mountains. It is located across the street from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, another famous attraction in downtown Gatlinburg. The SkyLift ride starts from the middle of town and travels upward to the top of Crockett Mountain. It is a 20-minute ride that ascends 500 feet, and you may opt to rest and enjoy snacks or some craft beer on the SkyDeck. The SkyDeck is a new attraction added in 2019, just like the SkyBridge. The SkyBridge is a must for those who enjoy a stroll, it spans 680 feet, and is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. It reaches a height of 140 feet at its midpoint. An interesting addition are the glass panels periodically located along the bridge, which offers an exhilarating view beneath your feet (not for those with a fear of heights though). So “brave the glass”, as they say, and take a selfie as proof of your courage.

The park offers all-day passes which you can enjoy at your own pace. But Gatlinburg offers lots of other attractions, and reasonable accommodations should you want to stay longer. There are cabins, lodges, resorts, and hotels. So if you haven’t been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, go and experience a magical nature sensory trip. Truly worth it.

 

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